International Women's Day (IWD) is observed every year on 8 March to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world.
The first International Women's Day was celebrated on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one lakh people participated in rallies demanding women's rights
In 1913, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day, and it became an official holiday in the Soviet Union in 1917.
The date of March 8 was chosen as the official date for International Women's Day during the United Nations International Year of Women in 1975.
The date of March 8 was chosen to commemorate a historic event that took place in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City demanding better pay and the right to vote.
During World War II, women played a significant role in the workforce, and IWD became a day to celebrate women's contributions to the war effort.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day and since then, it has become a global day of celebration and activism.
IWD is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and raise awareness about gender equality. Every year, the day is celebrated with a different theme and focus, such as gender-based violence.